Shippei

A shippei is a bamboo staff which curves slightly, approximately half a metre long,[1] which is used as a "symbol of a Zen master's authority" in Zen Buddhism.[2] In contrast to the keisaku, the shippei was often used as a disciplinary measure for meditating monks. It can often be found at the side of a Zen master in a zendo and is also "one of seven items that make up a Zen monk's equipment."[1] According to Helen Josephine Baroni, "The shippei is made from a split piece of bamboo, which is bound with wisteria vine and then lacquered."[2] Sometimes curved in the shape of an S, the shippei may be elaborately decorated with a silk cord or have carvings. It is still "sometimes employed to hit monks."[3]

See also

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Koun, 205-206
  2. 2.0 2.1 Baroni, 300
  3. Hori, 701-702

References